2022 Australian Of The Year, Dylan Alcott recently retired from wheelchair tennis. Before the start of the Australian Open, Dylan Announced that this will be his tournament ever. His retirement garnered many reactions from the tennis world. It seems like the 3-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray was also a big fan of the Aussie.
In an interview with the Australian Open, Andy Murray talked about his special friendship with Dylan. The Brit also compared Dylan’s retirement with Roger Federer’s retirement.
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Andy Murray opens up about Dylan Alcott
Andy Murray’s Australian Open Run didn’t go as planned, as he lost in the second round. However, he still aims to reach 50 career titles before the end of his career; currently at 46. Meanwhile, he talked about Dylan Alcott, arguably the greatest wheelchair tennis player ever. Andy talked about the impact Dylan had on the sport and the void he will leave after retirement.
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“I’ve known Dylan for quite a long time, almost since I started coming to Australia. I feel like he’s always been there around the locker rooms and stuff, and always had a good relationship with him. He’s a larger than life character, a great personality. I think he’s been great for tennis. He’s done amazing things for wheelchair tennis as well,” Murray said about Dylan.
Champions recognise champions 🤝 @andy_murray · @DylanAlcott · #AusOpen · #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/9ORLNXCoLA
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 2, 2022
Andy also felt sad about Dylan’s retirement from tennis and compared it to Federer’s retirement. “It’s a shame that he’s stopping because it’s like when Federer stops, you know, will be a tough day. And for wheelchair tennis, he’s been incredible… and I’m sure all of Australia’s really, really proud of him. He’s a great guy, inspirational character. So, yeah fair play to him,” Andy further said.
Dylan became the Australian Of The Year 2022
This was Dylan Alcott’s last ever tournament, as he was going for his 8th Australian Open title. Unfortunately, he lost in the final against Sam Schroder. So, it was not quite the fairy tale ending he was hoping for. However, the Aussie achieved something bigger as he received the Australian of the year award in 2022.
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Wow. I’m forever grateful. My purpose today and everyday is to change perceptions so people with disability can live the lives they deserve to live. I’ll do my best to make you all proud as your Australian of the Year xx pic.twitter.com/KWmMPvpSsh
— Dylan Alcott (@DylanAlcott) January 25, 2022
The previous year has been a ‘Golden’ year for Dylan, as he’s won all the Grand Slam tournaments. Also, the Australian grabbed a gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics to finish the year with Golden Slam. Despite losing in his final game, Dylan’s journey will inspire many disabled people in the future and the tennis world will never forget what he’s done for the sport.
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Is Dylan Scott the greatest wheelchair tennis player? Let us know in the comments.
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